The Hyde Park (Yarrowkabra) Homestead Project was officially launched on Thursday, marking a significant push toward housing access and economic empowerment along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway.
The large-scale development will see 500 homes constructed, each paired with a shade house. The project has been specially designed to support single mothers, with the inclusion of shade houses allowing residents to grow crops for both household consumption and additional earnings.
The initiative forms part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s $6 billion national housing programme and is being executed by Duravilla Homes.
The first 50 homes are already completed and ready to be handed over to beneficiaries. These houses form part of an initial batch of 102 homes currently under construction.
An additional 25 houses are about 50 per cent completed, while construction on another 37 homes is set to begin shortly.
At the launch, applicants drawn from the Ministry of Housing’s database were able to receive on-the-spot pre-qualification letters from commercial banks, significantly accelerating their path to homeownership.
Persons with pending applications were also given the opportunity to update their information and register for future allocations.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal described the project as a key part of the government’s broader development strategy.
“This project emphasises the empowerment of women-led households and recognises the vital role that women play in strengthening families, sustaining communities and advancing national development,” Croal said.
He added that the homestead model goes beyond simply providing shelter.
“The homestead represents an integrated model of development combining housing, sustainability and economic empowerment within a single community framework.
“Homeownership is more than just the possession of a structure. It is a foundation for your sustainability, dignity, generational development and lasting security for yourself and your future,” Croal said.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn said the initiative offers many women a chance to move away from difficult living conditions.
“Because where you are living now may not be an area which is authorised — some persons are living on government reserves or in situations like that. Some are still living in their parents’ homes where it’s cramped, and there are sometimes squabbles,” Benn said.
She noted that the project aims to address these social challenges by giving women a stable and independent start.
At the launch, attendees were given an opportunity to tour a fully furnished model home, which demonstrated how the living space can be used efficiently and comfortably.
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